TAKING STOCK

Blenheim, the exhibitions group, jumped 27p to 339p in brisk trading as takeover talk circulated.

The company has recovered from a poor run and the market is speculating that it is about to attract the attention of one of the leading media groups.

Shoprite, which was forced into a distressed sale of its once high- flying supermarket chain two years ago, jumped 2.25p to 21.5p. The shares were 6p in January. Figures are due tomorrow and there is talk they may be accompanied by a revamping deal.

Abbeycrest, the country's largest jewellery maker, managed to sparkle 6p higher to 128p. The company is trading well and stockbroker Panmure Gordon expects profits of pounds 3.5m this year against pounds 2.5m.